12 Holistic Benefits of Massage & How to Prepare for Your Massage Session
When you think of getting a massage, does it feel like an indulgence? Or do you see it as an essential piece of your health and wellness regimen?
If you've ever wondered if the benefits of massage actually go beyond feeling amazing on the massage table (and oh-so-relaxed after your session), you're not alone.
In this post, we reveal the many ways that a massage positively impacts your physical, mental, and emotional health. When you understand these holistic benefits, you’ll find it easier to intentionally integrate massages into your routine without any guilt!
And if you’re like most people who book a massage session, you probably wonder what to expect, how to prepare, and what to do afterward to maximize the benefits. That’s why we’ll also share our best tips to help you make the most of each massage session so you can glow from the inside out and outside in…long after you get up from the massage table!
First, let’s take a look at the 12 ways that getting a massage brings you benefits on all levels: physical, mental, and emotional.
Physical Benefits of Massage
On the physical level, massage helps you:
Promote relaxation and stress relief
Massage activates your body’s relaxation response and reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol in your body. This offers several health benefits including reduced blood pressure and reduced heart rate.Relieve muscle tension and tightness
Massage techniques such as kneading, stretching, and applying pressure can help relieve muscle tension and tightness. This can be particularly beneficial if you experience muscle knots, chronic muscle pain, or stiffness.Reduce pain
Massage therapy can effectively alleviate pain and discomfort associated with various conditions, such as back pain, neck pain, headaches, and joint pain. Plus it also stimulates the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers.Boost immunity
Research suggests that massage therapy can have a positive impact on the immune system. In certain studies, moderate pressure massages have been found to increase the activity of natural killer cells, which play a vital role in defending the body against viruses and tumors.
Mental Benefits of Massage
On the mental level, a massage can help you:
Enhance mental clarity and focus
By releasing stress, a massage helps you gain mental clarity and focus. This is because stress chemicals and physical tension have a direct effect on your ability to concentrate. As fight-or-flight hormones are released, your body regains more energy to focus on higher-level brain tasks and projects.Alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression
Massage triggers the release of endorphins, which are natural mood-boosting chemicals in the body. Additionally, the soothing touch and human connection during a massage can provide emotional support, thus helping alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.Reduce muscle tension and headaches
Tension and headaches often accompany mental stress. Massage therapy can help relieve muscle tension and reduce the frequency and severity of tension headaches, allowing for greater physical and mental relaxation.Improve sleep quality
Regular massage therapy has been shown to improve sleep patterns and enhance sleep quality. It can help you fall asleep faster, experience deeper sleep, and wake up feeling more refreshed. As a result, your mental abilities are sharpened and it’s easier to think more clearly.
Emotional benefits of massage
On the emotional level, a massage can help you:
Calm the mind
Massage therapy is well-known for its ability to reduce stress and promote a greater sense of emotional balance. The soothing touch, relaxation techniques, and release of tension in the muscles can calm your mind, promote a sense of peace, and alleviate anxiety that can result in or from emotional challenges.Enhance your mood
Massage can stimulate the release of endorphins, which are natural "feel-good" chemicals in the body. These endorphins can elevate your mood, reduce feelings of sadness or depression, and promote a general sense of well-being.Reduce loneliness
The combination of physical touch, nurturing environment, and the therapeutic presence of the massage therapist can create a space to support emotional healing. This can provide a sense of comfort and connection which can be particularly beneficial for individuals who may be feeling lonely or isolated.Release emotional blockages
Stored tension and stress in the body can be associated with emotional blockages. Massage can help release these blockages by working through physical knots and tightness. As the body releases physical tension, it can also lead to the release of emotional energy, leading to a delightful sense of lightness.
What to expect when you book a massage session
Before you arrive at your therapist for your next massage session, your therapist might provide guidelines on what to expect. Here are some of the guidelines we share with our clients at Pure Life Therapy so they know what to expect at their sessions:
Open communication: When you visit your therapist, you will be asked to share your needs, concerns, and any specific goals you may have for the session. It’s important to openly let your therapist know of any medical conditions, health history, or injuries. You can be assured that anything you share will be held in strict confidence.
Respect for boundaries: This should go without saying, but it’s important to know that your therapist should always respect your personal boundaries throughout the session. If at any point you feel uncomfortable, you have the right to speak up and ask the therapist to adjust their approach.
Clothing and essential oils: You can take off as much as you are comfortable when you arrive at your session. Some people prefer to take off as many layers as possible so they can fully feel the therapist’s touch. Others prefer to leave some or most of their clothing on - either one is absolutely fine as long as you’re comfortable! Make sure that if you do leave clothing on, you’re comfortable with possibly getting oil on it. If you do not wish to have essential oils used during your session, let your therapist know ahead of time.
Injuries and illnesses: Be sure to notify your therapist of any injuries, illnesses, or sensitivities you may have. When it comes to injuries, your therapist may customize your session to either address these areas with the proper massage technique or may choose to minimize contact with the area. If you have any particular sensitivities (like ticklish or particularly tense spots), let your therapist know so they can incorporate techniques to address these tactfully.
Get the most out of your massage: before, during, and after
Once you know what to expect during your session, here are several simple things you could do before, during, and after your session to experience the benefits on a deeper level and over longer periods of time.
How to prepare before your massage session
Shower before if possible
Drink plenty of water
Avoid heavy meals
Leave valuables and jewelry at home
Avoid caffeine and alcohol
Do some light stretching
Some tips to use during your massage session
Take deep breaths - This helps blood flow and circulation and can bring deeper relaxation; deep breaths can also help you get a deeper massage.
Communicate openly - If at any point during your session, the pressure or technique does not feel right or is uncomfortable, let your therapist know. Providing feedback allows your therapist to adjust their techniques and pressure to suit your comfort level.
Focus on relaxation - Instead of trying to stay engaged in conversation, focus on allowing yourself to fully enjoy the experience. Silence or minimal conversation can often enhance the relaxation effect of the massage.
Visualization or meditation - Some people find it helpful to visualize calming scenes or engage in meditation techniques during a massage to further promote mental relaxation.
Keep the benefits going after your massage session
Drink plenty of water or herbal tea to flush toxins out of your body
Do gentle exercises such as stretching or yoga
Take it easy and get some rest
Take an Epsom salt bath
Schedule your next massage session
By taking care of yourself and incorporating these massage tips, you can help maximize the benefits and enjoy the long-lasting effects of your massage session.
Enjoy the benefits of massage for the long-term
To maintain the holistic benefits of massage on an ongoing basis, it’s best to incorporate regular massage sessions into your wellness routine. Depending on your needs and preferences, this could be weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly.
While there’s no right or wrong way to show up for your massage, it's important to listen to your body and follow your therapist's recommendations so you can experience the most benefits from each session.
Ready to feel the relief and book your next massage in San Diego? Book your massage therapy session today!
